This is my husband's first time in France and we're trying to figure out if/how to fit in a chateau visit. I have been to Versailles before and am trying to decide if it's worth spending our one of five days taking him there or going somewhere in Burgundy. Vaux-le-Vicomte won't open until April and we're traveling next month, otherwise that would've been the perfect option.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
1967 posts
Actually it's impossible looking for an alternative to Versailles as it is a league of it's own. In case you want to skip it you can visit Château de Fontainebleau on the way to Burgundy, it's like Versailles a royal palace, huge, beautiful and packed with history. Way lesser visitors and in that respect a more enjoyable place, open every day except Tuesdays.
In Burgundy there are loads of lovely chateaus, way smaller, a few palaces, most are castles turned in the past into luxury residences. Nevertheless worth to visit one, I liked Bussy-Rabutin and Bazoche. In case you want to see a castle under construction the medieval way I can highly recommend Guédelon.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2542 posts
Are Chantilly and Fontainebleau also closed until April?
Posted by
Paris
6883 posts
Fontainebleau is currently open. I was there yesterday, there is currently some scaffolding and works going on, but nothing too major.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Very helpful. I'm still working on the day-to-day itinerary and am trying to see what the options are if we don't go to a Paris-area chateau. This is all great feedback.